Scorpion Ranch to Yellowbanks Overlook and back
(10 miles, +1,600/-1,600 feet).

Today was our last day on the island.  We broke camp before the sun rose and took our packs down to Scorpion Pier.  We then packed water and our remaining food for a day hike out to Smugglers Cove.

Today’s hike was much easier, taking us over a lower ridge at about 800 feet to a cove on the other side of the island.  The main challenge was the persistent sun in our eyes as we headed southeast.

By 9am we made it down to Smugglers Cove and then headed right back up again to reach an overlook of Yellowbanks Anchorage.

After lazing a bit at the overlook, we headed back down to the beach.  I took a cross-country short cut and met MixMaster and BarnFinder halfway down.

When we got to the beach, it was deserted, but someone had built a number of beautiful rock cairns just above the sand.  I took a walk on the beach in my bare feet.

After some more lazing we headed back.  The path took us through upper Scorpion Canyon and down to the campsite.

When we finally got back to the pier, we found rocks on all our packs.  Apparently a raven had opened MixMaster’s pack and ripped through a deck of playing cards hoping to find something to eat!  Sadly for the ravens, all the food was safely in my pack!  Someone must have seen the raven attack and put the rocks on (thank you for trying to help!).

We gathered up our stuff, ate lunch, played some cards, and soon the ferry arrived.

The sunset that night as we left the island was spectacular.